From uh-oh to OK: Offense showing early signs of progress

What was racing through Kendall Hunter’s mind when he broke the offensive huddle last year?

Posed the question today, Hunter laughed as he delivered the punch line: “Uh-oh,” he said of his pre-snap emotions.

Of course, the 49ers running back was a rookie in 2011, which explains some of his unfamiliarity with the offense.

But he wasn’t alone.

Even his backfield mate, seven-year veteran Frank Gore, was among those doing too much thinking, rather than reacting, as the 49ers took a crash course on a new offense after the lockout.

“Everybody was learning last year,” Gore said. “So there was a lot of thinking, but now we know what we’ve got to do. We know the looks and we can just play football. I think that’s why we look so much better this year.”

Indeed, if the preseason is any indication, San Francisco’s offense could be vastly improved after it ranked 26th in yards per game (310.9) last year.

Alex Smith has directed three preseason drives and they’ve lasted an averaged of 11.3 plays, the Niners have gained 6.7 yards on 19 carries and Smith (8 of 12, 65 yards, TD) has a 108.0 rating. The drives have resulted in a touchdown, field goal and loss of downs when Anthony Dixon was stopped for no gain on 4th-and-1 at Houston’s 20-yard line Saturday.

The first three Smith-directed drives of last year’s preseason? Three straight three-and-outs against the Saints.

“As long as we keep working,” Gore said, “we can do some great things this year.”

** Running back Brandon Jacobs is getting around the facility on crutches today, but his prognosis is promising.

Jim Harbaugh said it’s “possible” that Jacobs could play in the regular-season opener against the Packers on Sept. 9. An MRI on Jacobs’ left knee Sunday revealed no ligament damage.

With the opener 20 days away, 49ers fans hope that Dr. Gore’s timeline is accurate.

“I’m happy that it wasn’t that serious,” Gore said. “He’ll be back in a week or two. He’ll be fine.”

** Did you want to see a little bit more of Gore after he ripped of a 14-yard run in his carry of the preseason against Houston? So did Gore, who left the game after one more carry, a two-yard loss.

“When I got out there against the Houston Texans I wanted to keep running, especially when I got that first carry (a 14-yard gain),” Gore said. “That was a pretty good run. I wanted to keep that rhythm and keep going. But I’ve got to listen to the coach. He knows what’s best for me … Whenever it’s time for me to go, hopefully, Green Bay, I’m going to be full speed.”

** For obvious reasons, Gore, who has rarely had a starter-quality back behind him, keeps getting asked for his thoughts about potentially sharing the backfield workload this season.

His backfield mates now include a former starter in Jacobs and two recent draft picks in Hunter and LaMichael James.

Today, Gore reiterated that he’s more concerned with titles than carries.

“We want to win,” Gore said. “We got a taste of it last year and it feels good. We want to keep that taste in our mouth. As long as we stay together and be one, we’ll keep that taste in our mouth.”

** Harbaugh’s headache has passed.

After the Advil-inspiring work of the replacement officials on Saturday, Harbaugh said he’s moved past his postgame frustration. He didn’t contact the league office to express concern about a series of questionable calls during the 20-9 loss to the Texans.

Before today’s practice, he put his arm around three local officials and posed for a few pictures with a wide smile. No hard feelings.

“What seems like a big deal Saturday night, here Monday, is not a big deal,” Harbaugh said. “We’re concentrating on Monday and what we can get out of this day.”

** Will the 49ers game plan more for their third preseason game – the so-called dress rehearsal – than did for their previous two?

“Maybe,” Harbaugh said. “Maybe a little more. Maybe exactly the same. Be pretty close to what we’ve done for the last two. That’s the actual answer. Maybe just a little more, but maybe exactly the same as the first two”